Question:
My 1275 twin point injection mini (98) has a stage 3 head and 1:5 roller rocker. It has been tuned since the modifications but not for 3 years. What tuning might it need and how much do you think it would cost.
thanks

Answer:
A rolling road session would cost ?47 inc vat, although there isn't a lot of adjustment available, unless you have devices fitted to allow for it. At least, you'd get to know what was going on !

Subject: Enging Tuner || New Question

Sender's Name: Alan Sheldon

Question:
I have a 2 ltr petrol Mondeo ,on a N plate,a new starter motor was fitted after problems with a terrible grating sound was evident.Was O K for a few days,but now just a whirring sound,as though the starter is not engaging.Ater several turns of the key it does eventually start.Any info would be welcome. Regards Alan Sheldon.

Answer:
Hello Alan - Possible bad earth on battery or body terminals, although it sounds like a lousy starter to me....

Subject: Enging Tuner || New Question

Sender's Name: steve heppenstall

Question:
hi Alan I race a saxo.we have to run with a standard cam.Could we gain more power by advancing the cam timing?If so what should we be setting it to? thanks Steve

Answer:
Hello Steve - Only experimentation will tell you! I spent many years doing one make racing, and gaining any advantage you can is what it's all about. You need to fit a vernier pulley, then book a rolling road session. An experienced operator should be able to achieve the accuracy required to establish if there is any advantage. Personally, I would use wheel figures, as being more accurate when testing. 2 or 3 bhp extra is a result, and worth several tenths over a lap. You may need to remove the vernier, if you aren't allowed to run with it, then offset key the cam for the result you need.

Subject: Enging Tuner || New Question

Sender's Name: steve brown

Question:
hiya , i have an escort 1.6i wreg and want to put the st170 focus engine in can you give me any advise on who can help ,i know its not going to be a quick job but ive searched the web and can't find any answers can you help me ,cheers steve b

Answer:
Hello Steve- I can't answer all the questions arising here. first of all, where are you going to get a Focus 170 engine? You'd need all the parts to go with it, complete with wiring loom and ECU. I'd say you'd need a complete donor car, and enough money to pay someone professionally to connect it all up. ?4000 should be about right?

Subject: Enging Tuner || New Question

Sender's Name: stephen adamson

Question:
Cosworth boost upgrade...Thank you for answering my question,but when you say i need to drill the spill hole,do you mean the one where the pipe goes to the airbox/airfilter?many thanks stephen.

Answer:
That's the one! The Amal valve works like any other bleed valve, in that it bleeds off excess pressure to atmosphere, diverting it away from the wastegate actuator pressure capsule.